Complete Dental Care Blog

Fortify Your Smile with Fluoride Treatments

July 20, 2014

Shutterstock Pretty Woman SmileYour tooth enamel is the strongest natural substance in your body, but it can still fall prey to acid-causing bacteria if not cared for properly. Knowing how to protect your smile from tooth decay is one of the best ways to keep your pearly whites looking and feeling their best. At Complete Dental Care in Burlington, MA, my team and I offer a comprehensive selection of general and preventive dentistry solutions that help keep your families smiles safe from cavities, including fluoride supplements.

How Does Fluoride Affect Teeth?

Over the course of each day, the hard enamel of your teeth is attacked by bacteria that thrive within the mouth. The starches and sugars in the food we eat are, in turn, consumed by these bacteria. The bacteria then produce acid that is capable of eroding tooth enamel, leading to decay. While brushing and flossing are certainly integral steps in protecting your smile, regular visits to my office for checkups and professional cleanings are crucial as well. It is during this kind of general checkup that we may suggest fluoride supplements.

Fluoride effectively replaces minerals lost each day, fortifying your teeth and further protecting them against damage. While small amounts of fluoride can be found naturally in tap water and some of the foods we eat, topical application of this compound directly to the teeth has been shown to be most effective in cavity prevention. If you have more questions about how fluoride works to keep your smile healthy, give me a call or send me an email; I’d love to help!

Strengthen Your Smile with Fluoride

At Complete Dental Care, we strive every day to provide our patients with the preventive tools and treatment they need to maintain optimal oral health. We look forward to doing the same for you! Contact our office in Burlington, MA today to schedule your visit and to learn more about how fluoride plays a pivotal role in the health and appearance of your smile. Our family-friendly office warmly welcomes patients from throughout the surrounding areas as well, including Billerica, Woburn, Bedford, and beyond.

How Does Smoking Affect My Oral Health? Vital Information from Dr. Kostas

June 23, 2014

shutterstock_175855586While it is common knowledge that tobacco use can cause your teeth to turn yellow, many patients don’t realize that there are a number of other serious problems directly associated with smoking cigarettes. From my patient focused dental office in Burlington, MA, I strive to not only help my patients achieve optimal oral health and wellness, but to provide them with important information that can help them make informed decisions as well. Today, I’d like to explore some of the lesser known effects of tobacco use.

More Than Bad Breath and Stained Teeth

Discoloration of the teeth and foul breath are common among longtime smokers, though the real threat posed by tobacco use may not be as readily apparent. The nicotine and additives in cigarettes can lead to inflammation of the salivary gland openings located on the roof of the mouth. When the pH balance within the mouth is disrupted, the patient’s chances of developing gum disease are increased. Add to this the inherent dangers of increased plaque and tartar buildup, and you have a recipe for advanced periodontal issues down the line. With periodontal disease come the increased risks of tooth loss, heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, and even some forms of cancer.

The risk of developing oral cancer itself is a prime motivating factor for quitting smoking, as tobacco users are significantly more likely to suffer from this aggressive disease. If you notice any abnormalities of any kind – including white or red patches in the mouth, unexplained bleeding, unusual pain or tingling, or ulcers that do not heal – it is important that you contact my office for an evaluation. My goal is to ensure your lifelong oral health and comfort, and I will always provide you with the information and tools you need to achieve just that.

Healthier Mouth, Healthier Body

Over the past several years, more and more studies have concluded that there is a definitive link between oral health and overall physical wellness. When your teeth and gums are in great shape, your chances of maintaining good systemic health are considerably higher. If you’d like to learn more about how smoking affects your oral health and how treatment at my office can help you keep your smile shining brightly, contact my office in Burlington, MA today. My staff and I happily welcome patients from throughout the surrounding areas as well, including Billerica, Woburn, Bedford, and beyond.

Periodontal Disease and Pocket Depth: What You Need to Know

May 20, 2014

Shutterstock Happy Dental Patient (2)When you think of periodontal disease, what is the first thing that comes to mind? You may envision images of bleeding gums when you brush or floss, or imagine the chronic bad breath that comes with an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth. At my office in Burlington, MA, I help my patients prevent and treat gum disease, as well as educate them regarding the ways they can keep their gums healthy between visits to my practice, Complete Dental Care.

Understanding Pocket Depth

When bacteria accumulate on the surfaces of your teeth, a sticky substance known as plaque begins to form. When plaque isn’t removed properly, it hardens into a substance known as tartar. Tartar forms along the gum line, causing inflammation of the gingival tissue. As more of this tartar builds and continues to irritate the gums, the tissue pulls down and away from the enamel surface and deep pockets begin to form.

The cycle continues for as long as the infection is left untreated, and gum recession worsens. This weakening of the connective tissues can eventually result in loose teeth and even complete tooth loss. Fortunately, I offer comprehensive periodontal therapy to aid in halting this process before it becomes more serious. I feel that every patient deserves to enjoy the benefits of a healthy, beautiful smile, and I’m always happy to walk you through the steps of your treatment until you fully understand the procedure. Give me a call today to learn more!

Schedule Your Visit Today

Do you suspect that you or someone in your family may be suffering from periodontal disease? Perhaps you simply have some questions about how gum disease can be treated and prevented. My team and I are here to help. Please contact my office today to schedule your appointment, and we’ll get started on your path toward optimal oral health and overall wellness. From our conveniently located practice in Burlington, MA, I warmly welcome patients from throughout the surrounding areas of Bedford, Woburn, Burlington, Billerica, and more.

Get to Know Me

April 29, 2014

shutterstock_139186010When visiting a new dental office for the first time, it’s natural to want to know something about the dentist who will be helping you. So, for today’s post, I’d like to talk a little about myself for those who don’t know me.

Every dentist has a story about what made them want to pursue dentistry as a profession. My own interest in dentistry goes back to when I was in the first grade. I already knew, at that young age, that I wanted to help people with their teeth. Then, two years later, a harrowing experience during one of my own dental appointments helped me see that I didn’t just want to be a dentist—I wanted to be a great dentist who would put the comfort and wellbeing of patients first.

That led to me attending Tufts Dental School, where I graduated in 1989. Since then, I have been in practice, providing my hometown with patient-centered care for more than 20 years. When you come to see me, you’re coming to see a dentist who wants to know you not just on a dentist-patient level, but also on a personal level.

What’s more, I believe in giving back through contributions to local, national, and international charities. One way I’ve done this is by offering free rehabilitative care to children in the Chernobyl Children’s Project, USA. This organization dedicates itself to helping those affected by one of the worst nuclear disasters in world history.

When I’m not at the office, I’m spending time with my wife and children in our Bedford home. I also enjoy hobbies like boating, fishing, and leisurely bicycling around Cape Cod.

If you need general, cosmetic, or restorative help, I hope you’ll contact my Burlington office for an appointment. I genuinely look forward to seeing new faces and getting to know new patients.

Dental Health and Nutrition

March 28, 2014

Filed under: general dentistry — Tags: , , , , , — kostas @ 8:55 pm

Healthy mealYou already know that sugary foods can hurt your teeth, but do you know how?  For today’s post, I want to explain—very briefly—how a poor diet can harm your smile. Knowing more about this process can help you make better choices when it comes to feeding yourself and your loved ones.

It starts with bacteria. We all have bacteria in our mouths—many different kinds. When some forms bacteria come into contact with foods high in sugar or starch, a chemical process producing acid and more bacteria begins. As these bacteria turn into a sticky, irritating substance known as plaque, your teeth and gums become susceptible to issues like decay and gum disease.

Brushing and flossing on a regular basis will help you control the amount of bacteria and plaque in your mouth. Professional cleanings and checkups at my Burlington, MA dental office will also help.

Outside of a good oral health routine, enjoying a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, breads and cereals, dairy, and a variety of meats or beans is important. For more nutritional information and advice, visit ChooseMyPlate.gov.

You can also give my office a call. We’re always happy to answer the questions our patients have. We would also be happy to schedule an appointment for you. We offer great dental care to patients from Burlington, Bedford, Billerica, and Woburn.

Dental Health and Overall Health

March 4, 2014

Filed under: Uncategorized — kostas @ 4:54 pm

oral health and overall healthSince Valentine’s Day occurs in February, this is a great time to talk about the connection between your smile, your heart, and your overall health. Some patients are surprised to hear that there even is a connection. There is, but it’s not obvious.

Research indicates that gum disease is what is connects your smile with other health problems. Gum disease is the result of bacteria and plaque collecting around your teeth and gums. The symptoms of gum disease include sensitive or bleeding gums, bad breath, and more. If left untreated, gum disease can cause pockets to form between your teeth and gums. These pockets give bacteria and plaque a way into your bloodstream and from there to the rest of the body, including the heart. Once there, the bacteria and plaque of gum disease can contribute to clotting and even heart attack.

Other health problems that gum disease can influence include:

  • Alzheimer’s
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes
  • Pneumonia
  • Pre-term birth

Given all this, what can you do to protect your smile and your health in general? First, I recommend flossing once a day and brushing at least twice, but if you can do it after every meal that’s even better. A good antibacterial mouthwash will also help by eliminating bacteria.

Second, I would encourage you to see me at least twice a year for a checkup and cleaning. These appointments are important because they let me watch for signs of gum disease. If I find anything, I can start treating it immediately. The earlier your gum disease can be treated the better, for both your oral health and your overall wellbeing.

Do you have questions about this post, or do you need to schedule an appointment with me? Call Complete Dental Care in Burlington, MA today. I offer great care to patients from Burlington, Bedford, Billerica, Woburn, and beyond.

Single Tooth Implants

January 6, 2014

Dental ImplantDo you have a full smile, or is a missing tooth threatening to sideline your confidence and good oral health? At my Burlington dental office, I offer a restorative dental service that can help you replace what you’ve lost. That service is known as dental implants.

With a dental implant, I can help you bridge the gap from one tooth to another, restoring your good health and your confidence. A dental implant can also help you prevent the loss of other teeth later on. That’s because dental implants are structured like natural teeth, with a crown on top and a prosthetic titanium root underneath.

Replacing a missing tooth and its root is important, because your roots play a very important role. Besides anchoring your teeth to your jaw, they also stimulate bone growth. When you have a missing root, the jaw can atrophy. As it does, nearby teeth can become weak and eventually shift or fall out. Dental implants help prevent this by replacing your natural root with one made of titanium, a biocompatible metal. Once in place, your implant will form a natural bond with the jaw, anchoring your new tooth and keeping the jaw strong going forward.

A dental implant takes two phases: the placement phase and the restoration phase. I perform both at my Burlington dental office. Many other dentists will refer their patients to an outside doctor for the placement phase, but at Complete Dental Care you’ll be surrounded by a dental team you already know and trust.

Is a dental implant the best way for you to fix the gap in your smile? Call my Burlington dental office today to schedule a consultation. I’ll assess your health and your needs and answer any questions you might have before helping you decide on a customized plan that’s exactly right for you.

My office happily serves patients from Bedford, Billerica, and Woburn.

Teeth Whitening Options for Patients from Burlington and Beyond

November 19, 2013

teeth whiteningIf you feel discouraged by stains on your teeth, you should know you’re not alone. Everyone struggles with staining to one degree or another. That’s because many stains are caused by commonly consumed foods or drinks. Coffee, tea, red wine, soda, juice, and other beverages are often at fault. But there are other causes, too, like tobacco use, certain medications, and even aging. All of which makes teeth whitening one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry services I offer.

Specifically, I offer two types of teeth whitening: take-home whitening and Zoom! in-office whitening.

With Zoom! my patients can come away from an appointment at my Burlington office with a bright, dazzling smile in just a single appointment. This is a great treatment option for patients who need a whiter smile in a hurry.

If you don’t need immediate results, take-home whitening can produce the same kind of look over a period of time, and in the comfort of your own home. With specially-made whitening trays and professional-strength whitening gel, whitening at home is easy and only takes about 30 minutes a day.

Do you have questions about teeth whitening? Call my office today to schedule an appointment. During your visit, I can explain all your options and recommend the solution that works better for your own situation.

I’m happy to offer two great teeth whitening solutions to patients from Burlington, Bedford, Billerica and Woburn.

Avoid the Long-Term Commitment of Conventional Brace with Six Month Smiles

October 17, 2013

Six Month SmilesWe know how important a straight, beautiful smile is to a busy professional. We also know how much you want to avoid a long-term treatment like conventional braces. That’s why, at Complete Dental Care in Burlington, MA, I offer Six Month Smiles.

Are you one of the millions of adults in need of adult braces who are unhappy, self-conscious or even embarrassed about your smile?

Many adults spend their entire lives covering their mouths when they laugh, smile or talk.  They feel stuck because they do not want to wear adult metal braces for years or they are concerned that other corrective teeth straightening procedures could be too invasive or too expensive.  Six Month Smiles provides an effective, safe and affordable cosmetic braces solution that fits your lifestyle.

A revolutionary combination of proven orthodontic techniques, modern materials, and innovative thought – Six Month Smiles® utilizes specialized clear braces to gently straighten and align teeth in an average time of just six months

This clear braces approach takes just about half a year to complete and serves as a discreet alternative to traditional bracket and wire braces. With a straighter smile, you can look forward to enjoying a better sense of confidence, and even a better sense of health and wellbeing.

That’s because a straight smile isn’t just good for your self-esteem—it’s good for your oral health, too. When teeth are misaligned, they become repositories for food and bacteria. Straight teeth, on the other hand, are easier to keep clean with normal brushing and flossing.

But is this clear braces system right for you?   I am happy to answer that question during a visit to my Burlington, MA dental office. If an oral exam reveals that it is, we can start working on your treatment plan immediately. In just a matter of months, you can have a more beautiful and confident smile.

Call Complete Dental Care today to reserve an appointment with me and my Burlington, MA dental team. We also serve patients from Bedford, Billerica, Wilmington, and Woburn.

Effective Restorative Care with CEREC One-Visit Dentistry

September 17, 2013

crownsWhen a tooth is injured or badly decayed, restorative care is a must. To repair a tooth in this position, I’ll use a protective crown. The problem with a conventional crown, though, is that it can take a couple of appointments to complete. It also requires a temporary that can be problematic and the material used can irritate your gums. Often, the final crown is not as natural looking as a CEREC crown.

That’s why I offer one-visit dentistry with CEREC. Using CEREC, I can cap a damaged or decayed tooth with a fully customized crown in just an hour and a half, saving you time and getting back to your normal schedule quickly. CEREC materials mimic natural tooth structure more closely than any other materials used in dentistry. They are kinder to your gums and are extremely durable.

How Does CEREC One-Visit Dentistry Work?

Your one-visit restoration with CEREC begins with an oral exam. Then, after talking to you about your situation, I’ll create a 3-D model of your tooth and design your crown. That information will be fed to my CEREC machine, which will go to work on your personalized restoration while you rest comfortably in my Burlington dental office. In about an hour, your new crown will be ready and we’ll bond it into place.

The Advantages of CEREC One-Visit Dentistry

Here’s what you can look forward to with your finished CEREC crown:

  • Natural-looking results
  • Conserves your natural tooth
  • More functional smile
  • Improves tooth structure
  • Healthier gums
  • Less time spent at the dental office

Do you want to learn more about how restorative care with CEREC works? Call Complete Dental Care today to reserve your appointment with me. I offer excellent care to patients from Burlington, Bedford, Billerica, Woburn, and beyond.

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